Software & Controls Engineer Location: WakefieldSalary: Competitive, dependent on experienceWorking Pattern: Full time / Site basedWe're working in partnership with a well-established food manufacturing business to recruit an experienced Software & Controls Engineer for a key site-based engineering role.This is a technically focused opportunity to take ownership of industrial control systems and operational technology, ensuring reliability, security and performance across a high-volume manufacturing environment. The role plays a vital part in supporting plant uptime, food safety, continuous improvement and future technology development. The Role You'll be responsible for the lifecycle management, development and optimisation of software and control systems, ensuring they operate safely, reliably and in line with business and regulatory standards.Key responsibilities include: Managing the full lifecycle of industrial control systems, including software backups, version control and technical documentationFault-finding and root cause analysis of control system and OT issues to minimise downtimeDeveloping, modifying and implementing PLC and SCADA application software to improve plant performanceManaging control system change processes and ensuring controlled implementation of updatesPlanning for system obsolescence and contributing to disaster recovery strategiesImplementing and maintaining OT cyber-security measures in line with company policyMaintaining OT asset registers and up-to-date network diagramsSupporting development of site revenue and capital budgets related to control systems and OTSupporting delivery of site-led and centrally driven automation and control projectsDriving continuous improvement initiatives to reduce downtime, increase efficiency and improve product qualitySupporting sustainability and energy efficiency initiatives through control system optimisationCollecting, analysing and reporting performance data to inform decision-makingEnsuring all engineering activities comply with health & safety, food safety and quality standards About You Proven experience in a Software, Controls or Automation Engineering role within food manufacturing (bakery or FMCG desirable)Strong hands-on experience with industrial control systems lifecycle managementProficient in PLC and SCADA programming, configuration and diagnosticsExperience implementing and maintaining cyber-security controls for OT environmentsStrong understanding of automation systems, industrial networking and operational technologyExperience contributing to engineering projects and capital improvementsStrong analytical and problem-solving skills with a pragmatic, data-led approachEffective communicator able to work collaboratively with engineering and manufacturing teamsAble to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced production environmentGood understanding of food safety, machine safety and engineering compliance requirements What's on Offer High-impact technical role with ownership of critical software and control systemsOpportunity to influence plant reliability, efficiency and future automation strategyExposure to control systems, OT cyber-security, energy management and continuous improvement projectsSupportive manufacturing environment with strong investment in engineering capability and standards JBRP1_UKTJ